Owen blasts GOP economic policy

The running mate of the Democratic candidate for governor stopped in Frankfort Wednesday to tout his campaign's economic plan.

Charlie Owen, who is running for lieutenant governor alongside Democrat Ben Chandler, said central Kentucky has been the hardest hit by an economic downturn that has slashed thousands of jobs across the state. He said manufacturers have moved overseas, and jobs have dwindled from 302,900 in January 2001 to 269,400 now.

"Those jobs are not coming back," said Owen during a press conference on the steps of the courthouse. "We have to find a way to build our economy not counting on the return of those jobs."

The Louisville businessman, who was touring the 6th Congressional District as part of his statewide "Travels With Charlie" tour, said the goal is to produce 100,000 new jobs by 2007 through a plan for more education funding, and better infrastructure and affordable electricity to attract businesses.

Owen continued to blast Chandler's opponent, Republican Ernie Fletcher, for what he called failed federal economic policies. He said Fletcher has supported policies, such as a federal tax cut, through his votes in Congress.